Week in Review

It was time for the cats' annual checkups and shots this week. Spencer likes to growl as Dr. Tracy examines him, while Seb tried to make himself one with the back of his cat carrier while refusing to leave it.

Despite their less-than-perfect manners, they received glowing bills of health, and both have lost a bit of weight since their appointments a year ago.

Dr. Tracy was impressed with Cora's questions and animal knowledge, and encouraged her to consider veterinary medicine as she gets older. Cora replied that she can't handle the needles.

In other cat news, the black and white cat that sent us to the vet in August after attacking Sebastian won't be provoking our boys anymore: a coyote got him. Certainly it's a reminder to be vigilant about keeping our boys indoors, especially as night falls.

With it getting dark earlier now, it's easier for Stace and Cora to head out on their bikes at night. Cora was very excited to do so this week.

On the same night, Violet decided that she and I should take a night WALK around the block. She was happy to find a scarf, hat and gloves, even if it wasn't quite cold enough to also need a warm jacket.

On Wednesday, the girls were out of school for Veterans Day. It was lovely having a midweek respite from the daily grind, and we met up with Juliana and her girls near the Discovery Cube museum.

We had planned to see the museum together, but the long line outside changed our plans. Instead, we spent three hours just playing in the huge playground next door. So much fun, and it was a perfect meeting location, only 15-20 minutes for both of us.

On Thursday, JT came out for an evening visit with Callie and Jonah. After dinner, Stace joined the kids in a game of animal matching.

Reflections

Cora and Violet participated in the annual PTA Reflections art exhibition for the first time this month.

This year, the theme was, "Let Your Imagination Fly," and students throughout the nation were encouraged to create artwork of various types sparked by that theme.

On Tuesday, the school showed off all the pieces, and the winners were announced.

Here is Violet's entry, a photo of Cora throwing a baseball. My dad let her use one of his cameras, and helped her set it up. The idea was completely Violet's, as she said that her imagination flying was like the baseball flying through the air.

Cora entered a pastel drawing of a hot air balloon, with herself and Spencer in the basket. She said that she can imagine herself  taking such a ride.

Sophia also entered a piece, a short piece of writing. Besides photography and visual art, students could compose music, make a film, or write a story or poem.

The entries were divided into categories: kindergarten through second grade, third through fifth grade, and sixth through eighth grade (though the girls' elementary school only goes to sixth grade).

Violet's photo was announced as the first-place winner for her age group. She was overjoyed. She proudly walked up to collect her prize with a huge smile, cheered on by her big sister and some of Cora's friends sat near us.
Here, she poses with the other photography winners.

She and Cora both received participation medals, as well.

Now, you might imagine that not receiving a winner's prize, while her sister received a 1st place trophy, would be a little hard for Cora to take. You would be correct. Violet tried to make her big sis feel better, with the fact that Cora was IN the award-winning photo!

The walk home was very entertaining, with Violet asking Cora where she should put her trophy, and telling her she could carry it if she wanted.
Cora maintained her composure until almost home, before  telling Violet to stop talking about the trophy.

Cora's Kickin' Kid-K

Cora happily took part in her first race Sunday, a Kid-K (one-kilometer) that was part of the Santa Clarita Marathon event.

On Saturday morning, before Cora's softball game, we went to pick up Cora's race shirt and bib.

They both signed the wall, and Violet left a supportive message for her favorite runner.

Before the race began Sunday morning, the children colored butterflies-on-sticks, to wave as the runners went by.

These first two photos are from the official race photographer. Cora ran in the 6-8 category; there were also categories for 3 and under, 4-5, and 9-12.

Here's Stace's pic of Cora racing toward the finish line. Cora finished within the first 1/3 of runners coming in in her age group. The event was very well organized.

She had so much fun, she and Stace are planning to run the 5k next year (and Stace is trying to convince me to do it with them). Violet can do the Kid-K next year.

Softball Star!

At Cora's final softball practice this week, the coach asked who hadn't pitched yet, and Cora raised her hand.

She soon found herself practicing the windmill arm motion used in softball, and was interested in trying it out at Saturday's last game.

She was nervous Saturday morning, and to be honest, I was a little nervous for her! You are completely on the spot when you're in that pitcher's circle, every eye on you.

At this level of softball, we've seen some very wild pitchers, and I knew Cora would be near tears if she was completely wild.

But when it was her turn to take the mound, she surprised all of us. After a few high-and-wide ones, Cora found the strike zone, and actually struck a girl out! She then got two strikes on another batter, who also struck out. Amazing!

We all couldn't have been more proud of her performance, which was brilliant for her first time ever.

Cora also had two solid hits, scored two runs, and made some good defensive plays. She seems to have a knack for the game, and was very smart about where to be and where to throw the ball when she fielded it.

Since it was the last game, we asked Grandpa to bring his good cameras, and I'm so impressed with the photos he took! I know this is a photo-heavy post, but these were all too good to not show off.

I love the bat in the air here - wish her bad was lime green so we could see it better!

Cora scored twice, and though we don't keep score in Fall Ball, everyone has a good idea of what the score is, and that the Bruins won, 5-4.

Just like our soccer team experience in the spring, we couldn't have hoped for a better group of players and coaches. Cora learned so much, in a very supportive environment.

Following Saturday's game, we all went to Topper's Pizza for a team party.

There, several parents and coaches joked that Stace and I must have been lying about Cora's lack of softball experience. She played like a girl who had a glove on one hand and a bat in the other as a preschooler.

Stace helped drag the field following the game. I'm a lucky gal - look at that gorgeous guy!

Cora loved pitching, and said she can't wait to play softball in the spring.

Week In Review

Besides the Triathlon, we had some moments of normal life this past week. During those moments, we did things like push the cat around in a doll stroller.

We also had a playdate with Alli and Emily on Monday. The weather was deliciously fall-like, and the girls had fun on a hike on the hill bordering our little neighborhood.
















Looks like we're a million miles away, huh? So pretty...

Stace and I went into Violet's class Friday so he could talk about being an engineer. We arrived just in time to see Violet get an award at the assembly, which isn't open to parents normally. Violet's award said she "is always so interested in the vocabulary we do in class. She loves coming up with sentences and always notices when one of our words is being used! Keep being so inquisitive!"

Last month the kindergartners focused on community helpers, and parents were invited to come in and discuss their jobs. Mrs. Hawthorne specifically asked Stace to come in, since he did a good job talking to Cora's class three years ago. The schedule didn't work out last month, so this week Stace gave his talk.

He prepared a Power Point with pictures, and the children all listened intently as he taught about what engineers do, the various types of engineering, and a bit about how thrust works. (See video.)

Stace also did a little experiment to show how thrust works, and how jets fly.

Later on Friday, Grandma and Grandpa took the girls to Disneyland for the evening, and Violet was (again) tall enough for Big Thunder Mountain! Huzzah! (She was tall enough a few months ago, wearing tall shoes, but then too short when I went with her in June, wearing flats.)

Stace and I saw a matinee of Spectre, the latest James Bond film, since he stayed home after talking to Vi's class. We enjoyed our afternoon movie date.

Triathlon Success!

If Halloween week was busy at school, Triathlon week was even busier. I spent 16 hours at school helping out this week, since I'm on the board of the school's Foundation that puts on the Triathlon.

Here, Violet is helping the grownups advertise the school's biggest fundraiser with chalk promotions on Wednesday morning.

The third-graders were first out on Thursday morning once the event got going. After participating in a session of karate, the children took part in an obstacle course.

Here, Cora and Vivian are touching all the little cones as they run past.

Next, it was time to dance, as a local dance company provided the third activity for our triathlon.

The event raised funds for the school by the students seeking out donations sponsoring their participation (though every child participates!). It's fun for all involved, and all the funds stay at the school for technology and extra enrichment classes.

After dancing up a storm, the students were told to "strike a pose," which apparently meant falling on the ground and laughing.

Later, Violet's classmates had their turn at the obstacle course...

...the karate...

...and the dancing.

The students all enjoyed orange slices and water after their activity. Here, Violet is having her snack with Sophia, Danica and Bellina.

While the other grades were taking part, I was in a room with the volunteers, counting the donations. After school, while Cora and Sophia had their final softball practice of the season, Violet and I went to the bank and deposited the money. It was a long but productive day, all for the good of the school and the kids.

Halloween Fun!

Stace and I made our annual trip to Magic Mountain's Fright Fest, to visit our favorite friendly witch on Friday night. This time, we brought Jim and JT for their first experience of all that Fright Fest has to offer; it was fun to share the evening with Colleen and Rigo, too. We all had a great time together.

JT's parents had their children, while Grandpa kept Cora, Violet, Lucas and Liana.

Saturday was Halloween, and after Violet's baseball game, we got ready for the annual Halloween party at our friends Jen and Jason's house. We all had a good time eating, drinking, chatting and playing games with many of our school friends.

Cora wrapped up her buddy Trent like a mummy; she and Trent have known each other since they were 2-year-old Skippers together in Pioneer Club. They are classmates again this year.

Violet and Stace wrapped up Vivian...

...And then the toilet paper war began.














Then, it was Cora and Sophia's turns to be mummified.

When darkness fell, we headed home to trick-or-treat in our own neighborhood with David and Chris. Auntie Mel and Uncle Nick came along, too, and some other friends of our family.








When we were finished collecting candy, we watched a bit of the baseball World Series game and Toni and John's house. Then it was bedtime for the girls, and Stace and I watched Tim Burton's Sleepy Hollow film, which is pretty much the only scary movie I'll watch.

A very pleasant Halloween was had by all!